Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 14 of those read), 1911

Municipal Austin

Incorporation of the Village in 1868 - Incorporated as a City- Changes in Charter - Elective and Appointed Officers Who Have Served the Mvinicipality - Important Acts of the Successive Councils - Home Rule Charter Adopted - Edited by John H. Skinner.

In the early part of 1868, the people living in the hamlet of Austin began to feel the need of a government other than the supervisor system under Avhieh hamlet and township in common had been existing. Consequently a petition was circulated among the citizens and presented to the legislature, asking for a village government. There being no real opposition to the measure the act was passed IMarch 6, 1868, and a tract of laud taking in the hamlet and lying west of the Red Cedar river in tlie north-central part of the township was duly set aside and incorporated as the village of Austin.

The act provided that Tyler W. AYoodward, William L. Austin and Jeremiah B. Yates should act as .judges of the election, which was ordered to be held May 5. The charter authorized the election of a mayor, a recorder, an assessor, a justice of the peace who should be village justice and three aldermen. The aldermen and mayor were to appoint a treasurer, a marshal, an overseer for each of road districts into which the village should be divided, an attorney and a village surveyor.

At that time factional feeling ran high in city and county and a fusion ticket, proposed by some of the more conservative minds, did not materialize. Instead, there were two Republican and one Democratic ticket in the field. One Republican party, which will be here designated as the independent Republican party, held a caucus without having published a formal call, and nominated a ticket. Another faction, which will be here designated as the regular Republicans, held a meeting in pursuance to a call, and nominated a ticket, taking W. L. Austin from the independent ticket and placing him in nomination as mayor, and also borrowing the name of Seymour Johnson from the independent ticket and nominating him as alderman. The independents then informally nominated two other candidates for aldermen to take the place of the IMessrs. Austin and Jolinson. The Deinoerats nominated a regular ticket.

charges of fraud, it being alleged that many of those voting were railroad men who were not, in the strict meaning of the word, residents of Austin. G. M. Cameron was elected mayor. W. L. Austin, the regular Republican, received 126 votes and Dr. 0. W. Gibson, the independent Republican, received fifty-six. B. J. VanValkenburgh, with 166 votes, and J. B. Yates, with 159 votes, were elected aldermen. C. C. Hunt, with 150 votes, was tied with Jacob Johnson for alderman, with 150 votes. Of the other two regular Republicans, E. P. VanValkenburgh received 137 votes and Seymour Johnson 125. Of the independent Republicans, H. AV. Page received sixty-two votes. C. M. Fernald, forty-three, and A. Matson, thirty-nine. For recorder, George Baird, Republican, received 155 votes and L. R. Hathaway, Democrat, 188, the latter being elected. E. Maloney, Democrat, was elected assessor with 161 votes, against J. C. Ackley, regular Republican, avIio received 118 votes, and J. F. Atherton, independent Republican, who re-' ceived sixty-two. L. N. Griffith, Democrat, Avas elected village iind civil justice, with 166 votes. C. J. Shortt, regular Republican, received 135, and Robert Mathes, independent Republican, received thirty-two. The Democrats thus appear to have won out for every office. A A-ote was also cast for civil justice and constables, though no provision for such election was made in the charter.

The first meeting of the Austin village council was held in the law office of Cameron & Johnson, ]\Iay 16, 1868. The council was called to order by Mayor Cameron, and Aldermen B. J. Van Valkenburgh and J. B. Yates were present. By reason of the tie vote, the office of the third alderman was declared unfilled, and the appointment of Jacob Johnson Avas made to fill the vacancy, wliereupon Mr. Johnson took his seat. The folloAving appointments Avere made: Treasurer, "William T. Brown; attorney, A. S. Everest; surveyor, D. B. Johnson; marshal, Carlos Fenton. The road overseers Avere selected as folloAvs: 1, east of Main street, W. T. Manderville; 2, south of Maple and Avest of IMain ; 8, north of Maple and AA'est of j\Iain, James Kennevan. Fire limits Avere established, and a lock-up provided for.

In 1868, about the time of incorporation, the Aallage contained six churches, two schoolhouses, one of Avhich was a brick structure, costing about $6,000, two newspapers, nine dry goods stores, four grocery stores, three drug stores, four hardware stores, tAVO clotliing stores, one book store, two confectionery stores, three boot and shoe stores, four millinery stores, tAvo jcAvelry stores, four fiour and feed stores, and one agricultural store. In the manufacturing line there Avere one ploAV manufactory, one foundry and machine shop, one planing mill, one sash and blind factory, one steam saAvmill, three flouring mills, three brick yards, four lum- ber yards, one carriage shop and two furniture manufactories. There were also two livery stables, three restaurants and three billiard halls. Already four large business blocks had been built. There were six tloui-ishing churches, one Masonic lodge, one lodge of Odd Fellows and two bodies of Good Templars. 11. W. Page had a bank here, three good hotels were in operation, and the C., M. & St. Paul was still the only railroad, although there were rumors of many others.

In 1869 an amendment to the charter passed the legislature, providing, among other changes, for the election by the people of a maj'or, recorder, assessor, justice of the peace who should be village justice, two other justices of the peace, a marshal, a city treasurer, and three aldermen. A road overseer, a village attorney and a village surveyor were to be appointed.

At the election of 1869, two tickets were presented. The People's Reform ticket Avas largely a temperance move, while the opposition party called itself the Citizens" Union ticket. W. L. Ausli.i headed the People's Reform ticket, P. B. Basford Avas nominated for mayor on the Citizens' Union ticket, and John F. Cook was the rallying point of those w^ho favored neither of these parties. AA'ith two exceptions, the entire People's Reform ticket was elected as follows : Mayor, "W. L. Austin ; aldermen, A. J Phelps, J. S. Day and Orlenzer Allen; recorder, L. Bouregard ; treasurer, Stephen M. Darrah ; marshal, Ilenrj^ J. Gillham (Gillham ran on the Citizens' Union ticket and defeated Andrew Knox); assessor, E. Maloney; ''city and civil justice," C. L. Chase: "civil justice," J. H. MeClentic (McClentic ran on the Citizens' Union ticket and defeated AY. L. Manderville of the People's Refoi'm ticket and B. J. Jones, who ran independently). The charter of the village provided for the election of a village justice and tAvo justices of the peace, and it will be seen that neither the designation nor the number of justices elected agreed Avith the charter. A village surveyor and constables were also voted for, although there Avas no proA'ision for such balloting in - the charter, and in spite of the fact that it had expressly been proA'ided that the A'illage surA'cyor should be appointed and not elected. E. D. Fenton and George Litchfield Avere the tAvo receiving votes for the office of constable, and S. Burke Aviis tlie only one A'oted for as A-illage surveyor. The council, at its first meeting, shoAved a like disregard for the charter, Avhen three road overseers instead of one Avere appointed as follows: 1. J. F. Keyser; 2, A. S. Hall; 3, J. C. Smith. D. B. Johnson. Jr., was appointed attorney. Later McClentic Avas replaced by "\Y. T. ManderA'ille as "Civil Justice," Hall AA^as replaced by O. W. Firkins as road overseer of district No. 2 ; and D. B. Johnson. Jr., Avas replaced hy A. S. Everest as attorney. January 18, 1870, Orlenzer

Allen resigned as alderman and was replaced by W. W. Brownson, and on July 3, 1870, Sylvester Smith took the place of Alderman Day, who also resigned.

In 1870 the charter was still further amended. It was provided that the village limits should be all of section 3, the northwest quarter of section 2, and the Avest half of the west half of the northwest quarter of section 2, all in township 102, range 18. It was also provided that there should be elected a mayor, three aldermen, two justices of the peace (to serve for two years), a recorder, an assessor, a treasurer, and two constables (to serve for two years). The marshal, the attorney and the road overseer were to be appointed by the council.

The election of 1870 resulted in a victory of a Union ticket over the Republican and Independent tickets, the entire Union ticket, with the exception of one constable, being elected as follows : Mayor, J. F. Cook ; aldermen, W. ^A^. Brownson, P. B. Basf ord and H. S. Smith ; recorder, John AA'alsh ; treasurer, I. A. Wood; assessor, R. I. Smith; justices, A. J. Phelps and W. H. Merrick; constables, 0. J. Johnson (Republican) and T. K. Kaiser. The council appointed G. M. Cameron, village attorney; John Minette, marshal; H. L. Percival, road overseer. I. A. Wood died October 11, and G. G. Clemmer was named in his place as village treasurer.

In 1871, the Adllage received practically a new charter. The people were to elect six aldermen, three justices of the peace, three constables and one assessor. The six aldermen, who were to represent the three wards into which the village was divided, were to appoint a president, a recorder and a treasurer from their own number, and in addition to this Avere to name road overseers, attorney, marshal and printer.

For the first time, the election Avas held in each of the three Avards. In the first Avard, Avhere three tickets, Citizens', Republican and Democratic, were presented, the Citizens' ticket Avon, and Sylvester Smith and L. N. Griffith Avere elected aldermen. In the second Avard the Democratic candidates, H. J. Gillham and J. H. C. Huxhold, Avon against the Republican candidates. In the third ward the Republicans Avon out against the Democrats and elected E. W. Kells and Charles Cook. William Richards, Democrat, was elected assessor. At the organization of the council, Sylvester Smith Avas appointed president, L. N. Griffith, recorder, and H. J. Gillham, treasurer. The folloAving appointments were also made : Road oA^erseers : 1, T. Hinchey ; 2,

BreAver ; 3, R. J. Tyler ; attorney, G. M. Cameron ; marslial, Carlos Fenton. During the year, Kells resigned as alderman, and on December 1, 1871, his place Avas taken by T. W. Hazleton.

In 3872, the charter was again amended. The amendment took the appointive power practically ont of the hands of the council. The people were to elect six aldermen, three justices of the peace, three constables, one assessor, one street commissioner, one village attorney and three road overseers, while the council was to select from its own numbers a president, a recorder and a treasurer.

The election was devoid of much of the discord that had characterized the previous selection of officers. A straight Republican ticket was placed in nomination against Citizens', People's and Democratic tickets. The following officers were elected: At large: J. M. Greenman ; assessor, D. J. Tubbs; street commissioner, J. B. Yates. First ward, aldermen, G. G. Clemmer and Seymour Johnson ; justice of the peace, W. H. Merrick ; constable, W. B. Graham; road overseer, Thomas Hinchy. Second ward, aldermen, H. J. Gillham and J. H. C. Huxhold (Huxhold, W. T. AVilkins and N. K. Noble were tied, but upon the casting of lots the choice fell iipon Huxhold) ; justice of the peace, T. W. Woodard; constable, James Konkel; road overseer, Patrick Garaghty. Third ward, aldermen, W. W. BroAvnson and G. L. Seofield ; justice of the peace. Jesse Rose; constable, John Minette ; road overseer, Thomas Hinchy. The only ones elected on the straight Republicaji ticket were Rose, Clemmer and Whipple. Brownson, Seofield and Minette were elected on a straight Democratic ticket. The others were elected on People's or Citizens' tickets, or in the ease of the three officers at large, on a combined Democratic, People's and Citizens' ticket. At the organization of the council, G. G. Clemmer was made president; Seymour Johnson, recorder, and "W. W. Brownson, treasurer. Mr. Clemmer resigned July 22, and his place was taken by A. J. Phelps ; Mr. Seofield resigned April 22, and his place Avas taken by F. A. Engle.

February 23, 1873, the village charter was amended in several particulars, and the word "city" substituted throughout for "village." Each ward was to have three aldermen, one constable and one overseer of roads. There were to be elected at large a city recorder, a city treasurer, a street commissioner, a city attorney and a city assessor.

Two tickets were in the field, one put up by tlio Republicans and the other by a mixture of Democrats and Republicans, called the People's ticket. The latter was victorious, witli the exception of one alderman eacli, in the second and third wards respectively, and the city attorney. These candidates were tied in the returns, but as two votes had been cast for T. '^L Hawkins the. judges decided to regard the intention, and counted these votes in favor of I. N. Hawkins, giving him the election by two votes over J. X. Greenman. The ticket elected follows : At large: Attorney, I. N. Hawkins ; treasurer, W. T. Wilkins ; recorder, 0. H. Shepley; assessor, D. T. Tubbs; street commissioner, C. P. Kenyon. First ward, aldermen, P. 0. French, A. Frederick and C. N. Beiseker ; road overseer, Geo. B. Morse ; constable, Knut Goodson. Second Avard, aldermen, Peter Gies, D. B. Smith and H. A. Fairbanks; road overseer, P. Geraghty. Third ward, aldermen, J. H. Benson, L. B. Abbott and J. H. Totten ; justice of the peace, John Houk ; road overseer, A. Whipple ; constable, John Minette. It will be seen that only the third ward voted for a justice, and practically only the third ward for constable, Mr. Goodson receiving but six votes. The council selected D. B. Smith as president. J. H. Totten resigned October 6, and his place was filled November 4, by T. F. Armstrong ; 0. H. Shepley resigned October 6 and his place was filled November 4, by Russ B. Davis; Isaac N. Hawkins resigned October 13, and his place was filled November 4, by G. M. Cameron.

In 1874, two tickets were in the field. One was designated as the ''Anti-Monopolists' " and the other as the "People's." In the third ward, the former party only was in the field, though there were several independent candidates in the field in that ward. A preconcerted efi^ort was made throughout the city to defeat the Anti-Monopolists' candidates for justice of the peace in all the wards, but the cfi'ort Avas successful only in the second Avard, where R. I. Smith defeated T. ^Y. Woodard. The ticket elected Avas as folloAvs : Recorder, R. B. Davis ; city attorney, G. M. Cameron ; city assessor, "William Richards ; city treasurer, C. W. Austin; street commissioner, Christian Johnson; aldermen, -John F. Cook, Seymour Johnson and B. F. Morgan ; J. C. Kaiser, R. N. Paden and D. B. Smith ; J. F. Atherton, John Bache and John Varger ; justices of the peace L. N. Griffith, R. I. Smith and J. S. Putnam ; constables, "William Olson, George Martin and John Minette ; road overseers ; R. J. Tyler, P. Geraghty and J. Gallagher. Bache resigned and Varger did not qualify. An election was held April 17 to fill the vacancies, and Thomas Meany and C. B. Slade Avere elected. The president of the council this year Avas D. B. Smith.

February 28, 1876, although the name "city" had been used since 1873. The new city charter described the limits of the city as follows: The north half of section 3; all the south half of section 3 lying west of the Cedar river ; all that part of the southwest quarter of section 2, surveyed and platted as part of Balcom's addition to the village of Austin; the northwest quarter of section 2 ; and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 2, all in tOAvnship 102, north of range 18, west. There were to be tliree wards, one on the west side of the Red Cedar, and two on the east side, divided by the center line of Bridge and Center streets. There Avere to be elected a mayor, treasurer, recorder and one assessor, at large ; and from each ward, two aldermen, one justice of the peace and one constable.

The election took place March 12. Not for several years had there been exhibited so great an interest in a local election. There were two tickets in the field, the People's and the Republican. In the first and third wards the former ticket won out, while in the second the latter triumphed, with the exception of the constable. W. T. Wilkins, the candidate for treasurer on the People's ticket, threw his influence on the side of the opposing candidate, but even then was defeated by but one vote. The following were elected, all being on the People's ticket unless otherwise indicated. At large : !Mayor, P. 0. French ; assessor, William Richards (Republican) ; recorder, Robert Griffith (no opposition) ; treasurer, R. Dunkelman. First ward, Joseph Schwan, H. E. Anderson, aldermen; L. N. Griffith, justice; Thomas Riley (independent), constable. Second ward, E. P. VanValkenburgh, Oscar Ayers (both Republican), aldermen: T. "W. Woodard (Republican), justice; James Konkle, constable. Third ward, Thomas Meany. Lewis Beckel, aldermen; J. S. Putnam, justice; John iMinette, constable. The office of Lewis Beckel was taken in January, 1877, by C. C. Kinsman. Patrick Geraghty was appointed street commissioner and Thomas Riley, chief of police.

The election of 1877 was cjuiet, and while there were two tickets in the field, the candidates for most of the important offices were identical on both sides. In the second ward, Joseph Reinsmith and E. J. Phillips wc-re tied for alderman, and by lot the choice fell on the former. It was also found that the electors had made a mistake in the middle initial of C. A. Pooler, but that matter was also satisfactorily settled. The following officers were elected: ^Mayor, E. C. Dorr; treasurer, C. A. Pooler; assessor, Robert ^McDonald : recorder. Robert Griffith ; aldermen first ward. George H. "Wilbour; second ward, Joseph Reinsmitii : third ward, C. C. Kinsman. Aldermen Schwan, VanValkenburgh {<nd ]Meany held over from the previous year.

In 1878 the question of license and no license was the principal issue, the temperance people winning out on the no license proposition by a vote of 406 to 155. Republican and Democratic tickets were in the field. In the following list of officers the word "Union" does not signify a Union ticket, but indicates that the candidate mentioned was nominated on both tickets : Mayor, E. P. VanValkenburgh (Union) ; recorder, Robert Griffith (Union) ; treasurer, C. A. Pooler (Republican) ; assessor, Oscar Ayers (Republican). First ward, aldermen, J. B. Yates (Democrat); justice, L. N. Griffith (Democrat) ; constable, Thomas Riley (Union). Second ward, aldermen, James McGrath (Union) ; justice, N. K. Noble (Republican); constable, R. J. McDonald (Republican). Third Avard, aldermen, Thomas Meany (Democrat) ; justice, Jesse Rose (Republican) : constable, John Minette (Democrat). Aldermen "\Yilboiir, Reinsmith and Kinsman held over from the preAdous year. J. B. Yates retired October 21, 1878, and his place was taken by Seymour Johnson. Joseph Reinsmith retired the same date and his office was filled by E. C. Dorr. Patrick Geraghty, wlio was appointed street commissioner, resigned July 1, and his place Avas taken by J. Woodard. Thomas Riley Avas chief of police.

In 1879 the city Avent back to the license plan, the vote being 283 to 239. The People's ticket Avas Adctorious, AAath the exception of one instance in the second Avard, AA'here H. W. Page, the temperance candidate, Avon out over W. L. Hollister. The entire list of officers for the year 1879 is as folloAVs: Mayor, H. B. Ball; aldermen, Seymour Johnson (held OA^er), George E. "Wilbour, James McGrath (held over), Harlan "VY. Page, Thomas Meany (held over), and Jacob Weisel; recorder, Robert Griffith; treasurer, C. A. Pooler; assessor, Oscar Ayers; street commissioner, T. K. Keyser ; chief of police, Thomas Riley.

In 1880, the officers of the city were as folloAvs : Mayor, H. B. Ball ; treasurer. Fay R. Smith : recorder, Robert Griffith ; assessor, E. D. Fenton ; aldermen, Peter Gies, E. J. Phillips, A. Fairbanks ; justices, L. N. Griffith, N. K. Noble, E. H. Gerard; constables, Thomas Riley, James Konkle, John IMinette. The vote in favor of license Avas 249 to 180. The hold-over aldermen w^ere George E. Wilbour, Harlan W. Page and Jacob "Weisel. The place of A. Fairbanks Avas taken by D. J. Ames, May 7, 1880. Patrick Geraghty was appointed street commissioner and Thomas Riley chief of police.

In, 1881, the Republican ticket Avas elected throughout, Avith the exception of one alderman in the first Avard, George W. Fish being elected over George E. Wilbour. The complete list of officers follows: 'Mayor. E. C. Dorr: recorder, Robert Griffith; treasurer. F. R. Smitli ; assessor, Josepli Adams: aldermen, George

W. Fish, R. 0. Hall, Jacob Weisel. Vote in favor of court house bonds, 398 to 14; vote in favor of license, 246 to 106. Alderineu Gies, Phillips and Ames held over. The street commissioner and chief of police were the same as during the previous year.

In 1882, the following officers were elected: Mayor, E. C. Dorr; treasurer. Fay R. Smith; assessor, G. E. Wilbour; recorder, Robert Griffith; aldermen. Orris Hayes, E. J. Phillips, Thomas Meany : justices, L. N. Griffith, N. K. Noble and J. B. AYaddick ; constables, Thomas Riley, Y. T. Cameron and William Way.

In 1885, Lafayette French became mayor. The other officers elected were: Recorder, Robert Griffith; treasurer, J. H. Patterson ; assessor, F. K. Keyser ; aldermen, Joseph Adams, P. C. Sullivan and H. Herzog.

In 1886 all the Republican candidates were elected except one, A. H. Loucks, a Democrat, being elected treasurer. The full list of officers elected consisted of: Mayor, Lafayette French; recorder, Robert Griffith ; treasurer. A. H. Loucks ; assessor, George E. Wilbour ; aldermen, C. H. Davidson. Andrew Knox, C. J. Miller; justices, N. K. Noble, M. J. Engle, J. D. Sheedy; constables, Thomas Riley, Jolm Beckel, William Way.

In 1887 the new charter provided for the election of an alderman at large as well as one from each of the wards. The officers elected were : Mayor, Lafayette French ; recorder, J. H. JNIakepeace ; treasurer, A. H. Loucks ; assessor, George E. Wilbour ; aldermen, C. N. Beiseker, L. E. Day, B. W. Lovell, D. A. McFadden: constables (to fill vacancies), E. R. Earl, John Beckel.

In 1888, the Democrats elected a mayor and the alderman at large. The officers elected were : Mayor, O. W. Gibson ; recorder. Johan Wold ; assessor, George E. Wilbour ; trea.surer, N. F. Banfield ; aldermen, William Todd, Seymour Johnson. C. L. West, C. J. Miller; justices, James Sheedy, N. K. Noble, E. Myers; eonstables, C. Ed Clark, Jerry Ingalls, John Beckel. The council elected Patrick Geraghty street commissioner. ^Tayor Gib.son nominated Y. T. Cameron chief of police, but the council refused to confirm the appointment. As soon as the vote was announced. Mayor Gibson nominated J. H. INFakepeace for the place and he also failed of confirmation, so Jerry Ingalls continued to hold the office of chief of police. Dr. Phillips resigned as chairman of the board of health and Dr. J. N. Wheat was appointed to till the vacancy. It was in this year that Ira Padden, who for so many years represented the third ward, came to the city council. A special election was held on April 19 of this year to elect an alderman. Thomas Meany received 102 votes and William Dugan 103 votes. When the council came to canvass the vote, it passed a resolution declaring the election invalid ; the returns appeared illegal on the face. Another election Avas held May 1, Avhen Ira Padden secured all but seven of the votes east at the election. J. M. Greenman was elected city attorney and superintendent of the water works. J. H. Makepeace, who failed to become chief of police, was made fire marshal July 6.

In 1891, the folloAving ticket Avas elected: ]Mayor, C. H. Johnson ; treasurer, N. F. Banfield ; assessor, George E. Wilbour; recorder, Johan Wold; aldermen, Joseph Adams, L. A. Foots, J. T. Sargent, Ira Padden ; justices of the peace, W. H. Hazel, W. W. Ranney. The following appointments Avere made: J. I\r. Girreenman, city attorney and superintendent of Avater Avorks; Jerry Ingalls. chief of police; E. J. Ames, fire marshal; E. J. McGovern, street commissioner. William Todd was appointed to succeed M. Becker, chief engineer of the Avater works. This year the council voted to use the old Methodist church for a city linll. T!i(> building stood on the site of the Carnegie Public

In 1892, the officers elected were: Mayor, C. II. Johnson; treasurer. N. F. Banfield; assessor, G. E. Wilbour; recorder, Johan Wold; aldermen, Joseph Adams, John Robertson, Wilson Beach (for one year), H. S. Merrill (for two years), L. G. Campbell ; justices of the peace, C. J. Short, W. AV. Ranney, F. II. Stokes ; constables, Frank Riley, J. E. Ingalls, Grant Miller. The following appointments were made : City attorney and superintendent of water works, J. M. Greenman ; fire chief, E. J. Ames ; street commissioner, E. J. McGovern ; chief of police, Jerry Ingalls. On May 20, Alderman Foote resigned and George Burnham was elected by the council to fill the vacancy. H. S. Merrill also resigned from the board and T. F. Leonard was elected hy the council to fill the vacancy. It is interesting to know that the council passed the first street-paving resolution and also inaiigurated the present sewer system as mapped out by Expert Engineer Tchirgi.

LTp to this time Austin had used the ordinary kerosene lamps for street lights and each council was called upon to decide who should be official lamp lighter from among a large number of applicants. In the summer of 1893, a private concern known as the Austin Electric Light Company asked the city to enter into a contract for lighting the city with electricity. This innovation met with unanimous approbation of the council and the official lamp lighter, like Othello, lost his occupation.

In 1894, a Republican mayor was elected for the first time in seven years, being placed in office by a majority of twentyfive votes, out of 1,049 cast. The complete ticket elected was: Mayor, Lyman D. Baird : recorder, Johan Wold ; treasurer, H. L. Banfield ; assessor, J. C. Belding : aldermen. Jacob Weisel, John Robertson. Henry Curtis. John Gulden: justices. J. E. Robinson, AV. AV. Ranney. F. II. Stokes: constables. J. AI. Gait, John Alanning, L. N. AAlllsey. Tlie year 1894 was a strenuous one. The great railway strike had thrown many men out of work, and the council, to keep the unemployed, hired many of them to work on city improvements. Feeling against the railroads ran high and when, the C, M. & St. P. road built a high board fence along the east side of its yards, shutting off all travel on certain streets that crossed the yards, there was great indignation. The council held a special meeting and passed a resolution condemning the action of the railroad in "unlawfully obstructing some of our streets" and ordered street superintendent Chris Hanson to tear down the fence where Bridge street crossed the tracks. Tlie railroad got busy and at the next meeting of the council, which was held March 2, 1895, the same council that ordered the fence torn down, ordered the same street superintendent to erect the fence and put it in as good condition as if was originally. A petition addressed to the railroad company by the council asked that the company allow the use of a foot-path across the tracks, the city agreeing to pay the salary of a flagman to be stationed at the crossing. The council also asked the county commissioners to erect a A'iaduct over the tracks. That body Avas not sure that the county funds could be expended for such a purpose, but agreed to erect such a structure, provided the city would agree to repay the county the sum of $5,000, the cost of the viaduct, should the courts decide that the couny board had ordered contrary to law. The iron bridge which spans the yards at the east end of Water street is a monument to the council of 1894. That council elected was : L. D. Baird, mayor ; Jacob Weisel, alderman at large ; John Robertson, Henry Curtis and J. L. Gulden; H. L. Banfield, treasurer; Johan Wold, recorder. The latter died in October and Herman Gunz was elected to fill the vacancy. Other elective officers that year were : Justice of the peace, J. E. Robinson, W. W. Ranney, F. H. Stokes; constables, J. AV. Manning and L. N. Wilsey. The city voted for license, 664 to 302. The appointive officers were: J. M. Gait, chief of police; Chris Hanson, superintendent of streets ; Thomas Dugan, fire chief, and J. M. Greenman, city attorney and superintendent of tlie water works.

In 1895, three independent candidates were elected, C. H. Johnson, T. M. Foster and A. W. Wright. The entire list elected was as follows : Mayor, C. H. Johnson ; treasurer, H. L. Banfield ; recorder, T. M. Foster; assessor, J. C. Belding; aldermen, A. W. AVright, S. A. Emerson, M. J. Haney and Ira Padden. The city voted for license, but a curious fact is that the records of the city do not show what the vote was, the statement being made, "On motion the license vote was placed on file." The appointive officers that year were, cliief of police, J. M. Gait; city attorney and superintendent of water works, J. M. Greenman ; fire chief, Tliomas Dugan ; street superintendent, B. Maxwell.

uorthenders and the southeuders. 'I'lie foi'inci- Avanlcd llic noi'lli end of the city developed, the others wanted to sec tlie south, end grow. The fight came on in a contest for the k)cation of a city hall. L. D. Baird ofifered the city a deed for land at the north end of Main street. F. A. Ticknor, acting for the southenders, ofifered the city the McKenna lots at the corner of Bridge and River streets. The council adopted a resolution accepting Mr. Baird 's land. The newly elected Mayor, F. I. Crane, promptly vetoed the resolution. The council as promptly passed it ovet his head and an architect Avas ordered to draw plans for the new biiilding. Those plans are now buried under the dust and await other years for city development. The election of 1896 resulted as follows : IMayor. F. I. Crane ; treasurer, J. L. Mitchell ; recorder, T. M. Foster : assessor, J. C. Belding ; aldermen, George A. Hormel, Joseph Adams, H. A. Avery, J. L. Gulden; justices of peace, J. E. Robinson, W. AY. Ranney, F. H. Stokes ; constables, J. M. Gait, John Manning, John Beckel; chief of police, J. M. Gait; street superintendent. Burr Maxwell; attorney and superintendent of water Avorks, J. M. Greenman. Dr. AA^heat, Avho for many years had been chairman of the board of health, was succeeded by Dr. McKenna.

In 1897 the result of the election was: Mayor, F. I. Crane; trea.surer, J. L. ^Mitchell ; assessor, J. C. Belding ; recorder, T. N. Foster; aldermen, George Hormel, S. A. Emerson, John Robertson, ]\I. J. Haney and Ira Padden. James D. Smith was appointed street commissioner. The other officers remained the same as in 1896. License carried by a majority of sixty-one, wliich was an indication of the.groAving "dry" sentiment.

In 1898 there Avas a strenuous temperance campaign, resulting in a victory for no license by 102 votes. This Avas the first time that Austin had been "dry" in tAA'enty years, and the usukl crop of "blind pigs" resulted. The entire ticket elected AvaS: Mayor, F. I. Crane ; treasurer, J. L. Mitchell ; recorder, T. M. Foster ; assessor, J. C. Belding ; aldermen, AY. C. Holmes, John Robertson, Percy Bump and Alex. S. Campbell; justices, John E. Robinson, AY. AY. Ranney. F. H. Stokes; constables, J. M. Gait and Herbert Bordy. The appointments Avere as follows: Chief of police, J. M. Gait; city attorney, A. AY. AN^right. This year the Austin Gas. Light & Heating Company Avas granted a franchise. A controversy arose as to Avhat caused the death of shade trees on Chatham street. Some belicA-ed that gas leaking from the mains Avas the cause. The council held several meetings, at which the subject AA'as thoroughly discussed. In July; 1899, the company surrendered its charter. It is perhaps significant tbat the city council began to look for an additional Avater supply Avitliin three months after the citj' had voted out the saloons. Tliis year the Herzog, Holmes and Saehse springs were measured, pipe was purchased and the right of way secured for bringing the water to the city. The council of the following year sold the pipe, rescinded the resolution to buy the springs and had several new wells sunk at the Avater works station.

The year 1S99 was one of much discussion of the liquor question. The Prohibition forces printed a weekly paper called the "Search Light," which was edited by a number of the Austin clergymen. Many who had voted "dry" in 1898 felt that public sentiment was not strong enough to secure law enforcement and they swung over to the "wet" side. The discussion grew most bitter as election day, March 14, drew near. On election morning an extra edition of the "Search Light" had been distributed before breakfast to the home of every voter. At 8 a. m. the "W. C. T. U. paraded the streets in a snow squall. They carried a large picture of Frances Willard and a score of banners with inscriptions, "Will Austin Surrender to Rum Rebellion?" "Woe to the Man Who Putteth the Bottle to his Neighbor's Lips," etc. When the votes were counted it was found that Austin had gone Avet by a majority of 216 A'otes. That night the extreme "wet" element, provided with brooms, bottles and other articles, paraded the streets. The ticket elected was: Mayor, Alex. S. Campbell: treasurer, J. L. Mitchell; recorder, T. M. Foster; assessor, S. A. Smith ; aldermen, H. Birkett, C. F. Cook, Thomas Mann, Ira Padden ; justice, J. C. Hemer.

Mayor-elect Campbell resigned his position as alderman of the third ward, and the council elected George H. Sutton to fill the vacancy. J. M. Greenman was chosen city attorney. Dr. W. L. Hollister became chairman of the board of health. Thomas Dugan, fire marshal : J. D. Smith, street commissioner, and J. M. Gait, chief of police.

The council had the names of its members inscribed on a marble tablet and set in the Avails of the municipal plant. The contract that the city had Avith the Austin Electric Light plant expired in 1899 and the company asked for a reneAval. The council's ansAver was a resolution passed April 8, 1899, authorizing the purchasing committee to bviy machinery for an electric light plant. On May 5, this resolution Avas rescinded and the committee Avas ordered to secure information as to the cost of an electric light plant. June 2 an expert electrician was brought to the city from St. Paul to give the desired information. On September 15 plans were adopted and bids were accepted for a plant. The Austin Electric Company secured an injunction. The council held a special meeting and passed a resolution to sever all business relations Avitb the comiKiny October .'11. Tlie eas(^ dragged on through tlie rest of the year and M^as not settled until tlie council of 1900, on April 10, purchased the Electric Light plant for $16,000 and added it to the new one. The council of 1899 had other troubles, for Austin had an epidemic of smallpox and the council purchased a piece of land in tlie southeast part of the city. The building was just ready for occupancy when it was burned to the ground. The council offered a reward of $500 for evidence leading to the discovery of the fire bug, but the city never had to pay the reward.

1900 - Officers were elected this year as follows: Mayor, Alexander Campbell; recorder, T. M. Foster; treasurer, Alfred Johnson ; assessor, S. A. Smith ; aldermen, H. Birkett, John Robertson, Percy Bump, George Sutton; justices, J. E. Eobinson, H. N. Lane, J. Hemmer; constables, R. A. Carmiehael, J. M. Gait and Tony Beckel. License carried by a majority of 356. The following appointments were made: Chief of police, J. M. Gait; city attorney, A. W. "Wright; city surveyor, M. N. Clausen; fire marshal, J. L. Gulden: street commisisoner, J. D. Smith; chairman board of health. Dr. AV. L. Hollister. The council received a petition that remains a novel one to this day in the annals of the city. This petition came from the saloonkeepers, asking that the council nail up all rear and side entrances to the saloons and enforce the law in regard to minors entering saloons.

1901 - Officers were elected as follows: Mayor, C. L. West; treasurer, Alfred E. Johnson; recorder, T. M. Foster; assessor, S. A. Smith; aldermen, George A. Hormel, Fred E. Gleason, Dr. H. A. Avery and John L. Gulden. License vote 677, against 228. The following appointments Avere made : City attorney, A. AY. AYright : surveyor, M. N. Clausen ; fire marshal, Thomas IMann ; street commissioner, Barney Bushman ; chief of police, J. M. Gait ; chairman board of health. Dr. AY. L. Hollister ; superintendent of water works, AYilliam Todd. George Sutton resigned as alderman on April 5, and the council elected John A. Anderson to fill the vacancy. On July 19, the council ordered another v;ell to be driven to increase the water supply of the city and installed water meters. On November 28, Lafayette French announced to the council that Mr. and IMrs. Thomas Beatty had given three acres of land, E. G. Tompkins three acres of land, and that five acres more had been purchased by popular subscription, all lying on the east bank of the Cedar and south of the city for park purposes. Later two acres more were purchased. The council in recognition of the work done by Afr. French in securing the land for park purposes, gave it the name of Lafayette park. The folloAving summer a "grubbing bee" was held, at which lawyers, doctors, merchants and laboring men devoted a day to improving the property.

1902 - The following officers were elected: Mayor, Dr. C. II. Johnson; treasurer, A. E. Johnson; recorder, T. M. Foster; assessor, S. A. Smith; aldermen, George A. Hormel, John Robertson, P. Bump, John Konovsky; justices, J. E. Robinson, H. N. Lane, J. Hemmer; constables, R. A. Carmichael, J. M. Gait and Tony Beckel. The following appointments were made: City attorney, A. W. Wright; surveyor, G. Allen; fire marshal, Thos. Mann ; eliief of police, J. M. Gait ; street commissioner, Barney Bushman. In Api-il, 1902, a meeting was held, to Avhich the property owners of Main street had been invited to discuss the question of paving that street. Tliere was much opposition to the proposed improvement.

On May 20. the property of the Christian church at the corner of Maple and Chatbam streets was purchased for a hose houst,' and the church altered for this new usage.

On August 5, the council decided to install a day electric service to be ready for use November 1. F. H. McCuUoch, a printer, was the first to use the new power.

During the years 1900 and 1901 there had been much agitation for the paving of ]\Iain and Water streets. The charter restricted the action of the council along permanent improA'ement lines. On March 26, 1902, a petition of ten per cent of the voters who had voted at the last election, Avhich had been held but two weeks previous, was x^resented to Judge Kingsley of the district court, requesting him to name a board to prepare and submit to the voters a new charter. In compliance with that request the following were named : James D. Sheedy, Seymour Johnson. Lafayette French, C. I. Johnson, H. A. Avery, Ed Barr, C. L. West, A. W. Wright, George Merrick, J. M. Greenman, E. C. Kenney, Alex S. Campbell, J. L. Gulden, Ira Padden and Joseph Regner.

The board met and elected C. L. West president, and Arthur Wright secretary. It held frequent meetings during the ensuing months, and on January 2, 1903, the new charter was presented to the city council. It Avas signed by but nine of the board, C. L. West, A. W. Wright, J. L. Gulden, C. I. Johnson, Lafayette French, Hoyt A. Avery, J. ]\I. Greenman, E. C. Kenney, and J. D. Sheedy,

On January 16, a petition signed by eighty-tAvo citizens Avas presented to the city council requesting that a special election be called for February L3, to vote upon the charter. In the raeanAvhile the proposed charter had been printed in the daily papers and much opposition had appeared. The people of the third Avard objected to a redistricting of the city into four AA-^ards, Avliifli Avould make material changes in the boundaries of that

The no license people objected to a provision that made it necessary to secure twenty-five per cent of the voters on a petition to have the liquor question submitted to the people. 'Under the old charter it required but ten per cent. Many of the voters objected to a section that barred ail but free holders from holding office. The liquor interests opposed the new measure because it provided for the mandatory revocation of liquor licenses for the violation of any city ordinance or state law pertaining to the business.

In order to pass the charter four-sevenths of the votes cast were required to be in favor of the charter. The vote was 272 in favor and 262 against.

The board again met and on March 3 were ready with an amended charter. This was printed in full in the daily papers Avith explanatory notes by A. W. Wright. A mass meeting was also held at the court house. The objectionable features hacj been eliminated and the charter went before the people at an election held March 10. There was still much opposition to the proposed measure and it was carried by a majority of less than one vote.

The new cliarter provided for biennial election, all of the old aldermen's terms to expire at the same time, the aldermen holding office at the time of the passage of the charter to hold until their time expired. Under the new charter the municipal electric plant and water works passed into the hands of a commission, and from the control of the city council.

The new charter has been of great advantage in some respects, but in others there is no doubt but the city could have made more permanent improvements under the statute laws of tlie state than under the home-rule charter.

The officers elected in 1903 were: Mayor, C. F. Cook; treaslu-er, J. L. Mitchell ; recorder, T. M. Foster ; assessor, E. P. Kelley ; aldermen, P. H. Zender, Peter Johnson, Frank Hall and George Beckel. The new charter went into effect April 11, 1903. Mayor Cook appointed as commissioners of the electric light, power and water board, S. D. Catherwood, for one year; J. D. Sheedy, for tAvo years; A. S. Campbell, for three years; George A. Horrael, for four years, and J. L. Gulden for five years. ]Mr. Catherwood resigned from the board November 6, and was succeeded by A. M. Smith.

Mayor Cook appointed for the first park board, Thomas Beatty, one year; F. E. Gleason, two years; George A. i^uttoii, three years; Lafayette ^''rencli, four years, and Anton Friedrich for five years.

The council granted a franchise to the new organized Interstate Telegraph & Telephone Company, passed an anti-spitting on the sidewalk ordinance and in January, 1904, condemned the opera house and several other places of public amusement, as fire traps. The owners of the opera house announced to the council: "The building will never again be opened as an opera house." Later a part of the stage caved in.

1904-1905 - Mayor, C. F. Cook; treasurer, J. L. Mitchell; assessor, L. B. Fairbanks ; aldermen, Thomas Riley, Percy Bump, W. J. Bell, Peter Johnson, F. 0. Hall, Geo. Beekel, Ira Padden; justices, J. E. Robinson, H. N. Lane, George Bailey. The following appointments were made : T. H. Pridham, city attorney ; Nels Jensen, fire chief; Barney Bushman, street commissioner; G. H. Allen, city surveyor. On September 16, received a petition for the paving of Main street. On September 26, the council met with the property holders, several of whom were much opl)0sed to the proposed improvement. The city had a floating indebtedness of something over $20,000, and a special election was held November 8, at which bonds were voted to take up this iudebtetlness and at the same time an amendment to the charter

On March 5, 1905, the council passed the necessary resolutions for the paving of Main street between Oakland avenue and Lansing avenue, a block each way on each of the intei'secting streets, and Water street from Railway street to St. Paul street.

B. Bushman. The council appropriated $250 for the San Francisco earthquake sufferers. The paving question was taken up February 1, 1907, and on February 15 the council advertised for Inds for paving Water street with brick. A strong remonstrance was made by some of the property owners, who engaged Attorney Fay Greenman and H. H. Dunn, of Albert Lea, as counsel for the protestants. A special meeting of the council was held, at which the attendance was so great that the meeting was adjourned to the court room. As a majority of the property owners favored ]iaving, the woi'k was carried to completion.

Cooper. T. ]M. Foster was appoiuted recorder. The election was a close and bitter one for the position of alderman-at-large, P. H. Zender defeating Peter Johnson for the office. The latter asked that the council appropriate the sum of $500 to investigate the charge that there had been illegal voting at the election, his point being that certain (S. M. N.) college students had voted who v/ere not residents of the city. The council took no action on tlie matter.

The board of aldermen took up the question of building a fire engine house, armory and city hall, all in one building, and had plans drawn which were accepted. It went before the people at a special election, when the proposition was carried to build a city hall, armory and engine house at an expense "to exceed $5,000." The council then voted to build, but before it got to work the terms of the aldermen had expired and another set of plans and specifications were added to those already accepted ten years previous. Mayor Sutton presided over the council for the last time April 7, 1909, and Alderman Zender became acting mayor. He then went to Omaha and entered the Omaha General Hospital for treatment, where he died July 1, the news being broken to the people by the tolling of the church bells. The body Avas brought to the city over the C. G. W. road, and was met at the depot by a large and sorrowing body of citizens. On Saturday, July 3, the body was taken to the corridor of the court house, where it lay in state, guarded by four members of Co. G, M. N. G., in uniform. From 4 to 5 o'clock all the stores were closed, and 970 of our people filed past the casket. The funeral occurred on Sunday, July 4, the escort being Co. G, Mclntyre Post, G. A. R. ; the firemen, Austin Lodge, 414, B. P. 0. E., and other orders. The service was held in Christ Episcopal church and the body was buried in Oakwood cemetery.

A special election was held and bonds to tlie amount of $.30,000 were voted to purchase the Sargeaut Springs and to bring the water to the city for domestic purposes. The council was also authorized to purchase the farm on which the si)rings

Avere located for the sum of $18,500. The council at once bought the farm and springs and closed a contract for bringing the to the city. The work was completed June 1, 1911.